Everyone needs to speak out against the tide of censorship. It’s especially important when considering books written by people of color whose stories, experiences and histories, have been either whitewashed, appropriated, censored or outright suppressed. 

Attempting to ban books is about fear and control. For many of its proponents, any instruction of the lives and history of people of color, especially Black people, is illegitimate social engineering. It is an attempt to shame their precious white children and that cannot be allowed. But what about the shame, hurt and confusion every other child from a marginalized background have to feel. What about their feelings?

Stories rich in diverse viewpoints and topics expand our world view and create conversation. They touch on difficult topics yes, but if we don't have those difficult conversations and challenge ourselves at any age, we become fearful and blind to the potential of this life we live and the world we live in together.